Modern Family: Five Minutes (8x18)

A really fun concept episode. Mostly quite successful. Let's take a look!

Cons:

Of the four plot threads, the only one that gave me pause was Alex's. Phil and Claire show up unannounced to her dorm room to check on her, because they're worried she's a shut-in. Turns out, Ben has been hiding in a trunk, and he pops out. The truth finally revealed, Claire is forced to admit how happy Alex seems with Ben. I have so many questions about this. First of all, I wasn't even sure that Alex was actually back in school. They never made that clear. And I didn't know she was living in a dorm. And we never get to see any of the romance between her and Ben, so to suddenly have this moment where it seems like their relationship is serious was... sort of out of nowhere. I'm of two minds on this plot thread, because on the one hand I'm glad the truth is finally out. But on the other hand, I'm annoyed that it took this long to get some actual forward motion with Alex.

Pros:

The concept of this episode is that we see four different plot threads, all apparently real-time, play out in five minutes. Really the only thing different about this from a normal Modern Family episode is that each story is played out on its own, and there's no back-and-forth between them. It works really well in making the episode feel less crowded. Each scene is distinct and complete in and of itself. A good concept.

Cam and Mitchell have the funniest of the four stories. They take sleeping pills to rest up on a flight, but then the flight is unexpectedly delayed. Now, completely high, they are forced to navigate getting on their new flight while trying not to fall asleep. Shenanigans ensue from there. The two are very distraught at the thought of flying to Dallas for their connecting flight, and Mitchell insists that they need to buy hats if they're going to survive. They continually get mixed up as to where they're supposed to be going, forget Lily's name and argue over whether it's Linda or Lucy, and find mysterious numbers written on Mitchell's arm, without explanation - despite the fact that Mitchell wrote the numbers himself only moments before. The episode tag features them at their destination. They've acquired cowboy hats and a dog somewhere along the way. Lots of fun, lots of slapstick. These two have great comedic timing. Modern Family always seems to hit it out of the park where drugs are concerned!

Manny spends his five minute plot trying to park the car while Jay and Gloria argue in the back seat. They're arguing about how to tell a good story. Gloria always meanders over the details, while Jay gets to the point quickly. Gloria eventually reveals that Jay hurts her feelings by interrupting her and taking over, because it makes her feel like he's embarrassed by her. Jay then tells Gloria the story of how he stuttered as a small child, and because of this, he doesn't want other people to make fools of themselves. It was a good plot thread, with a lot of jokes and an actual touching moment or two. The only thing I didn't really care for was Manny's attempt to park, but even this wasn't bad. It was just a vehicle - haha, get it? - for Gloria and Jay's story to shine.

Lastly, we've got Haley and Rainer. It's Rainer's 45th birthday, and when Haley shows up at the restaurant, Rainer proposes. Haley says yes, but the two of them both immediately begin to freak out about the huge commitment they're making. Haley gives back the ring, and they both realize that they are in such different places in their lives. Haley still has her whole life ahead of her, while Rainer is no longer content to just date someone and see where it goes. He's ready for more. The episode ends on a rather melancholy note, as the two of them mourn a future they now know they won't be sharing. I liked this, especially because I finally understood Rainer and Haley as a couple, even if the age difference bothered me. It's very mature of them both to acknowledge that this won't be working out. I feel a little bad!

In all, a great episode. Even the weakest of the plot threads was only weak because I've been frustrated with the story up until this point. Maybe this will be the great turning point we need! I liked the comedy, and I liked the heart.

9/10